On December 13–14, Lama Gendun Yongdu joined us at Gomde Ukraine for two days of teachings and shared Vajrayana practice for Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche’s students and for newcomers who are just beginning to connect with our sangha.

In a country living through russia’s war against Ukraine, Dharma becomes very simple: you practice, you keep your samaya, you dedicate, you show up for one another. Lama Gendun did not come to offer commentary on events. He came to be present, to teach, and to strengthen confidence in practice. That kind of presence is rare, and it matters.

Over the weekend he guided three practices, different in form yet one in purpose: cultivating awakened mind precisely where it is hardest.

First, Trinley Nyingpo from Lamey Thugdrub Barche Kunsel, a concise method for working with obstacles by recognizing mara and confusion and bringing everything onto the path through Guru practice.

Second, The Essence of Two Accumulations from the mind terma The Deep Essence of Tara, a practice that invokes Arya Tara’s swift protection and courageous clarity, strengthening fearless activity and wholesome momentum.

Third, the Offering of White and Red Sur, a terma revealed by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa, an accessible practice of generosity and dedicated offering, including to those in the bardo and to those with whom we have karmic debts, so that fear, conflict, and heavy imprints can be pacified.

For many of us, this visit was a quiet confirmation: if you keep your ngöndro, mantra, sadhana, ganapuja, and dedication of merit, you are not “behind” because of war. You are doing exactly what practitioners do.

We share this not as a report, but as an invitation. Ukraine still has practitioners, communities, and places of retreat. Visits from teachers who are willing to come, give empowerments, teachings, and practice guidance are profoundly supportive. May more of our Dharma elders and guides consider coming, even briefly, to strengthen living practice where courage is required.

With deep gratitude to Lama Gendun Yongdu, to our lineage teachers, and to all who protect and defend Ukraine, for making these sweet moments of authentic Dharma practice possible.